MITSUBISHI BATTLE TAXI.

Özgür Güner builds the Type 89 IFV.

Developed in 1980, the Japanese Type 89 IFV entered service with the JGSDF in 1989 (hence the name). There were four prototypes, the chosen design being from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, already a major producer of military equipment. The original requirement was for 300 units, but with the end of the Cold War, the number was drastically reduced; by 2014, a total of 120 were delivered to the JGSDF.

The vehicle is armed with a Swiss 35mm Oerlikon Contraves dual-feed cannon (made under licence in Japan), and a co-axial Type 74 7.92mm machine gun. The turret also mounts a pair of Type 79 Jyu-MAT missiles (one on each side), and two banks of four smoke grenade launchers. Designed to carry up to seven fully equipped troops, the vehicle has a pair of rear access doors, roof-mounted hatches, and close-quarters defence ports (with periscopes) to allow the troops to fire from within the compartment. As with most current JGSDF vehicles, Type 89s are usually painted in either a two or three-colour camouflage scheme. However, when on parade duties or taking part in military exercises, they are often given a special paint job.

Availability:

Trumpeter 1/35 JGSDF

Type 89 IFV (ref. 00325) is available from good model shops. Trumpeter kits are distributed in the UK by Pocketbond (www.pocketbond.co.uk)